Walking In Memphis

Day 3: A visit to the two Kings

After steering away from the tourist circuit, today we'll move back towards it. It's hard to be in Memphis and ignore the King of Rock & Roll. Known as the "Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll," Sun Studios recording studio launched the careers of Elvis Presley, B.B. King, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, and many others. The short but interesting tour offers a glimpse into the history of the studio, as well as time inside the recording studio. If you or your honey feel inspired to belt out some tunes, its possible to rent the studio for $75 per hour.

Not that inspired? Maybe a trip to Graceland will change all that. You can't visit Memphis without a trip to Elvis' pad — and what a pad it is. Who wouldn't be able to score in just about any of the '70s style rooms? The TV room shows off a crazy black and yellow color scheme, three TVs that were state-of-the-art for the time, and an incredibly cheesy bar. Even the billiard room with the hanging fabric will impress you.

The self-guided audio tour takes visitors through the house (except the upstairs), the car museum and the Lisa Marie, his custom jet, which has a bedroom bigger than some New York apartments.

If you're inspired to eat like Elvis, you can take the downtown trolley to the Arcade diner where the King used to chow down with his buddies. They do make some mean biscuits and gravy. From one King to another, while you're in the area, it's only a short walk to the National Civil Rights Museum. Built into the Lorraine Motel (where Martin Luther King was assassinated), the museum offers an amazing view of civil rights with a collection of photos, scale models, audio exhibits, and many words of wisdom. It's easy to get sucked into the history.

The museum also incorporates the actual hotel rooms where King Jr. and his staff stayed just before the assassination. The museum's new and equally interesting addition across the street offers an assassins eye view of the motel. It's a conspiricist's delight with displays highlighting various theories about who killed MLK, why, how, where, etc.

The city maintains an exciting energy that visitors don't often seek out. It's filled with rib sticking (albeit unhealthy) food, authentic music and those southern belles. Hey, if this town was good enough for Elvis, then it's good enough for you.

tips for the trip

Visit Graceland either early or late, as crowds tend to hit in the middle of the day.

Check hours of restaurants, as many places like Buns on the Run are closed on Sundays.

Leave your car at your hotel (if you're downtown) and walk or take the trolley to Beale Street. You'll be glad when you don't have to drive home later, with alcohol in your system.

If you're thinking about club hopping on Beale Street, consider buying a wristband for $10 that allows entrance to all the clubs.